MIU hosts demonstration of indigenous fruit wines
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2026: Manipur International University today hosted a "Demonstration and Testing of Three Indigenous Fruit Wines of Manipur" at its Academic Block in Ghari Awang Leikai.

The demonstration was organised by the university's IQAC and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Cell.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Prof (Dr) Harikumar Pallathadka, Chancellor, MIU; Registrar, Prof T Brajeshwari; IQAC Director, Prof I Tomba Singh; FRC Chairman, Prof Md Kheiruddin Shah; and Catherine Soyamphi, founder of Soyam Food, Ukhrul.

The three wines demonstrated were made from locally available indigenous fruits - Naspatitheira (Pear), Shakshitheira (Wild Gooseberry), and Fashongtheira (Wild Olive).

They were developed by Hortrition, an agro-based industry based in Ukhrul.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Phungchamnao Ranreiphi Kharei, founder of Hortrition, said these three fruits are widely found across Manipur but are seasonal.

During peak season, people cannot consume all of them, leading to large-scale wastage after ripening.

To address this, Hortrison has processed them into value-added brines.

She stated that the initiative blends traditional knowledge with scientific inputs to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.

The aim is to establish the brines as local products of Manipur and introduce them to national and international markets.

Prof T Brajeshwari lauded the effort, noting that converting seasonal fruits into wines instead of letting them perish can help strengthen the State's economy through exports.

She said such innovations deserve encouragement.

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